Man of the World Philippines James Reggie Vidal. Image: INQUIRER.net/Armin P. Adina
MANILA, Philippines—James Reggie Vidal will embark on his first international competition as he vies for the 2023 Man of the World title this month. And what will make it more challenging for him is his role as the host delegate because the global tilt’s fifth edition will once again be held in the country.
“That’s more pressure for me,” Vidal responded to the Inquirer’s question at his sendoff press conference held at Illo’s Home Buffet at the Greenhills Elan Suites in San Juan City last month. He secured the right to represent the Philippines in the homegrown international male competition after winning the top prize at the 2022 Misters of Filipinas pageant in October.
“For how to accommodate my fellow candidates, that won’t be so hard. Because I think my competitors are also very good as a person, and I hope we guys will have a bond, just like a brotherhood,” said the Ormoc City-based tourism student at the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu Mandaue (UCLM).
“I’m very excited to meet them all,” continued Vidal, who will welcome to the Philippines dozens of international delegates expected to arrive in the coming days. Pageant organizer Prime Event Productions Philippines (PEPPS) Foundation Inc. announced Makati City as the host city of this year’s competition.
For the international pageant, Vidal said he focused on his physical training. “I’m still preparing my body. This time I’m doubling my effort because I need to work harder on my body. My fellow candidates in this year’s Man of the World, they’re very big and very strong. That’s what I’m preparing, my physical appearance,” he shared.
He added that he still continues his question-and-answer sessions with his mentor, and also gets coaching on public speaking. “And also my routine and my ‘pasarela,’ it’s gonna be a surprise,” he teased.
The 2023 Man of the World delegates will have a kickoff party at House Manila at the Newport World Resorts in Pasay City on June 9. The final competition will be held at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater at Circuit Makati on June 16.
No Filipino contender has ever captured the Man of the World title. The highest placement for the Philippines was recorded by Clint Karklins Peralta who finished as first runner-up in the global tilt’s second edition held in 2018. /ra